In case of a zombie attack, you might want to have a cat or kitten on hand for protection.

The Lenoir County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has partnered with the Wake County SPCA to encourage the adoption of cats and kittens in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Shelters are using the recent popularity of zombies in pop culture to promote cats and kittens as a sort of zombie-repellant, in the hopes of finding homes for the animals.

Darci VanderSlik, spokeswoman for Wake County SPCA, said because there has not been a zombie attack on an animal shelter in the state — and since all shelters have cats — there hast to be a link.

“We never know where or when the zombie apocalypse will occur,” VanderSlik said “It’s best to protect your family by adopting a cat or kitten from a shelter near you.”

Debbie Ham, a volunteer at the Lenoir County SPCA, said the program runs through the end of the month and she hopes the shelter will see an increase in adoptions. She said cats often get overlooked at shelters, and she feels the zombie theme will help bring more people to the shelter.

“It’s a really cute idea to get people excited about cats,” Ham said. “Anything that you can do to generate more attention to increase adoption is a good thing.”

Molly Kelley, spokeswoman for the Lenoir County SPCA, said in addition to the zombie theme, a local donor has helped decrease the cost of adoption in order for more cats to find homes.

“Because the adoption fees include vaccines and a spay/neuter voucher, you’ll actually save more money by adopting from the shelter,” Kelley said.

For more information on how to adopt a cat or kitten, call the Lenoir County SPCA at 252-520-0003.

Noah Clark can be reached at 252-559-1073 or Noah.Clark@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @nclark763.

Breakout box:

Don’t you need a zombie-killing kitten?

The Lenoir County SPCA has plenty on hand for you

2455 Rouse Road Extension

Hours of operation: noon-4 p.m., Monday-Saturday

Adoption fees: Dogs over four months, $115; puppies less than four months, $100; cats over four months, $60–females, $40–males; kittens under four months, $45–females, $25- males